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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 30 Oct 1991

Vol. 411 No. 7

Written Answers. - Permanent Defence Forces Pension Scheme.

Theresa Ahearn

Question:

234 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Defence if he will open the spouses and childrens contributory pension scheme, applicable to members of the Permanent Defence Force, again in order to allow those who have not already joined the scheme to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Provision for the payment of pensions by my Department to the widows and children of deceased soldiers was first made in 1978 when a contributory pensions scheme for such dependants was introduced. Payment of pension benefits under the contributory scheme is dependent upon the soldier having been a member of the scheme and having paid the appropriate contributions as required by its terms.

Membership of the contributory scheme was compulsory in the case of soldiers enlisting after 31 January 1978, and optional in the case of soldiers already serving at the time. Soldiers in the latter category were included as members of the scheme unless they made a positive option in writing not to become members. It was made clear at the time that no benefits could be paid under the scheme to the dependants of solidiers who opted out of membership and that a further opportunity of joining the scheme would not be given at a later date.

In fact, a second opportunity to make provision for their dependants was granted in 1985 when all soldiers, as well as pensioners and the representatives of deceased soldiers, who had opted out of the scheme in 1978 were invited to reconsider their decision and to join a revised scheme. Unfortunately, some still chose not to do so.

I have initiated an examination of the question of again re-opening options in relation to membership of the contributory scheme. However, bearing in mind the possible implications for many other areas of the public service if membership options were re-opened for soldiers, I would not be too optimistic of a favourable outcome.

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